What Is a Camera Monitor System (CMS) for Commercial Vehicles
A Camera Monitor System (CMS) is a digital vision system that replaces conventional exterior mirrors with cameras and in-cab displays. For buses and trucks, CMS provides real-time views of the vehicle’s sides and rear, helping drivers monitor surrounding traffic and identify potential hazards during lane changes, turns and low-speed manoeuvres.
Unlike traditional mirrors, which rely on optical reflection, a CMS captures images through exterior cameras and presents them on interior displays. Image processing, automatic brightness adjustment and other intelligent functions can help maintain usable visibility across different lighting and operating conditions.
For commercial vehicle manufacturers, CMS is more than a mirror replacement. It is an opportunity to improve indirect vision, optimize exterior vehicle design and integrate additional safety functions into the vehicle’s electronic architecture. Systems developed for vehicle integration must also account for vehicle-specific viewing requirements, environmental durability and applicable regulations, including UN Regulation No. 46 (R46), which establishes requirements for indirect vision devices and their installation on vehicles.
Visibility Challenges with Conventional Mirrors
For heavy-duty trucks, long vehicle bodies, elevated driving positions and changing road conditions can limit what drivers see through conventional mirrors. Meeting field-of-view requirements may require larger mirror assemblies or structural modifications. These changes can increase mirror weight and
aerodynamic drag, potentially contributing to higher fuel consumption.
These limitations highlight the need for more flexible indirect vision solutions, particularly for commercial vehicle manufacturers seeking to improve visibility while optimizing vehicle design and integration.
How Does Streamax CMS31 Series Improve Commercial Vehicle Safety and Visibility
Streamax CMS31 Series is a Camera Monitor System developed to meet the visibility and vehicle integration requirements of commercial vehicles. It consists of exterior cameras, in-cab display terminals and external support arms, which together capture and present the vehicle’s surrounding views. Their configuration can be adapted to different vehicle designs and visibility requirements.
Digital Imaging and Configurable Viewing Coverage
Streamax CMS31 Series uses 3MP HD digital cameras to capture side and rear views, with low-light imaging and automatic brightness adjustment to maintain visibility as lighting conditions change. It supports viewing configurations for Class II, IV, V and VI applications under UN R46, covering different visibility from main rearward and wide-angle views to close-proximity and front-view areas. Camera placement and display layouts can be adapted to vehicle geometry and vehicle-specific requirements, helping drivers monitor surrounding traffic and judge vehicle position.
Real-Time Image Transmission and Intelligent Display
Streamax CMS31 Series features video transmission latency as low as 50 milliseconds under controlled test conditions, combined with AI-based motion compensation and adaptive brightness adjustment to deliver clear, stable images under different driving conditions.
For night driving, the optional eye-raise display function automatically brightens the screen when the driver shifts their gaze towards it, helping reduce visual fatigue. On-screen guide lines provide visual references to help drivers judge the vehicle's position when driving and turning. In addition, electrically foldable camera support arms help reduce the risk of equipment damage in the event of a collision in confined spaces.
Low-Light Imaging and Environmental Adaptability
Streamax CMS31 Series combines camera heating and lens cleaning with next-generation starlight night vision to support clear imaging in low light and adverse weather. Powered by AI-ISP technology, in internal testing，it delivers full-colour night vision at illumination levels as low as 0.01 lux, without relying on traditional infrared illumination, while consuming over 50% less power than infrared cameras. A 120 dB wide dynamic range, strong-light suppression, intelligent defrosting further help maintain image clarity. The washer-based cleaning module also supports reliable visibility in rain, snow and fog.
Blind-Spot Awareness and Safety System Integration
The Streamax CMS31 Series can also integrated with BSIS (Blind Spot Information System) and MOIS (Moving Off Information System). AI algorithms can expand the effective viewing area by up to 50%, helping improve visibility around the vehicle. When integrated with Blind Spot Detection (BSD), the system can identify vehicles and pedestrians in blind spots alongside and in front of the vehicle, providing both audible and visual alerts.
What Value Does CMS Bring to Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers and Fleets
Greater flexibility in vehicle design and integration. For commercial vehicle manufacturers, Streamax CMS31 Series offers an alternative to conventional exterior mirror assemblies. Its compact cameras and flexible installation layouts can provide more options for exterior styling and vehicle packaging. Depending on the overall vehicle design, replacing conventional mirrors may also create opportunities to improve aerodynamic performance.
Practical Benefits for Daily Driving and Fleet Operations. For drivers, CMS provides a wider, higher-resolution digital field of view, helping them navigate turns, change lanes and reverse. Configurable viewing layouts and image-processing capabilities help adapt the system to different vehicle designs and operating conditions. For fleet operators, replacing conventional exterior mirrors with CMS may also help reduce aerodynamic drag, potentially improving fuel efficiency and lowering long-term operating costs. The actual benefits depend on overall vehicle design, vehicle type and operating conditions.
Supporting vehicle Integration and Regulatory Preparation. For vehicles developed for regulated markets such as China and Europe, the Streamax CMS31 Series provides global certification reports covering GB 15084, UN R46, UN R10, UN R118, CE-EMC, RoHS, REACH and ELV. It has also supported multiple leading vehicle manufacturers in completing whole-vehicle certification processes involving UN R155, UN R156, UN R151 and UN R159. Specific regulatory requirements and compliance assessments depend on the vehicle category, system configuration, applicable functions and target market.
Performance figures described in this material are derived from internal testing under specific conditions or theoretical calculations, and are intended to illustrate the technical characteristics of the product. Actual performance may vary depending on vehicle integration, operating environment, software version and configuration differences. The specific performance specifications, functional configurations and certification standards of the products purchased by the customer shall be subject to the final executed contract and the technical specification sheet of the delivered product.
